We have discussed how you can use AccuDraw and AccuSnap as tools for drawing precisely in MicroStation. Now we are going to do a little exercise to use them. If you haven’t created a tutorial project, do it now. We are started to use them.
Download accudraw_shortcut.dgn and replace the previous one with it. I will update all the files later, so you won’t need to download them every time we use an exercise file.
Before we begin the exercise, there are two AccuDraw features I would like to introduce you: AccuDraw calculator and AccuDraw shortcuts.
AccuDraw Calculator
AccuDraw has a built-in calculator function. This is very helpful if you need to use mathematical calculation when placing a data point.
You can simply click your first data point, move your pointer to a reference point. As you know, the value in AccuDraw field will show the exact distance between your two points. Don’t click the data point yet. Just move your pointer to the second point, and press the equation operator. Type the equation you wanted, then AccuDraw will calculate it for you!
Tips: For + or – operator, you need to lock the X or Y value first. Otherwise, AccuDraw will think you want to input negative or positive value. You can lock it after your pointer at the reference point and press X for locking X axis value (or Y for Y axis value).
AccuDraw Shortcut
AccuDraw shortcut is a very cool feature in MicroStation. You can control many AccuDraw behavior with it.
Make sure AccuDraw get the focus by pressing [f11], then press [?]. You can see the list of the whole AccuDraw shortcuts.
You actually have used several of them: [enter] for smart lock, [Space] for changing AccuDraw mode from rectangular to polar coordinate and vise versa, [V] for view rotation, [X] for lock X, and [Y] for lock Y.
Exercise: Using AccuDraw and AccuSnap
Open the accudraw_shortcut.dgn. This is an unfinished building plan. We are going to finish it.
Drawing the parking lots mark
Activate SmartLine. Snap to point 1 and click data point. Now we need to draw the line perpendicular to the curb. Press [R] then [Q] to activate rotate quick using AccuDraw shortcut. Snap to point 2 and click data point.
The AccuDraw compass is now rotated following the curb orientation. Now we can draw the mark line easily. Draw a 5 m length (this file working unit is set to m).
Copying Mark
This time, activate copy tool.
Change the copies value in copy element settings to 5.
Click data point on point (1). You should select the line you just draw. You can tell by moving your pointer and see which objects in your pointer now. Try to click Reset button on your mouse. This will cycle your selection for overlapping objects in that point. If it doesn’t, zoom in and try again. Make sure you select the line.
We will have to rotate our AccuDraw axis. This time we use [R] then [E], rotate element. Select the line we created before. RQ and RE work just the same. The only difference is, RQ using points as reference, RE using drawing element. One more thing: after using RE, the axis rotation doesn’t come back to default. You need to reset it by pressing [V].
Move your pointer to point (2) until you see the snap point. Press [/] to divide the distance. Type 5. Click data point.
Finishing the Building Center Lines
I will let you finish this MicroStation exercise by your own. Try to finish it like this image. If you have problem, don’t hesitate to discuss it here!
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